Abstract: An indexing head has a plurality of co-axial discs rotatable relative to each other. A first disc carries an indexing pin receivable in a series of equi-angularly spaced recesses of a second disc. A third disc is angularly settable relative to the second disc by means of gauge blocks, and is lockable after setting by locking means. A tool shank can be releasably held in an axial bore of the first disc. When used in an oil bath of an erosion machine, the head is fitted with a bellows skirt to prevent the oil reaching the discs.

Abstract: A programming cam indexing mechanism in which a rotatable programming cam, provided with a peripheral traction surface and a concentric inwardly facing track having one or more notches therein to define indexed programming positions, is rotatably driven by a capstan coupled with a drive shaft, the capstan being supported by a latch member pivotal on the drive shaft axis. The latch member is integrally formed to define a follower bracket and tab engageable with the inwardly facing track surface on the programming cam to hold the capstan in engagement with the peripheral traction surface thereof but to allow the capstan to swing away from driving engagement with the traction surface when the follower bracket tab drops into the positioning notches. A spring biasing means is provided by which the follower bracket tab is moved into the notches to latch the programming cam in any one of the indexed positions. Movement out of the notches is effected by solenoid activation.

Abstract: A vertical support shaft supporting a tool support is slidably and rotatably supported in a base. A gear member is rotatably but non-slidably mounted on the support shaft and is provided with a threaded portion threadedly engaged with the base. A sleeve member having a rack engaging with the gear member is moved axially to lift the tool support to an upper position for an index operation. The sleeve member is provided with a notch to receive a resiliently urged lock shaft for restraining the axial movement of the sleeve member when the tool support is moved to the upper position.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with an exchange arm for automatically exchanging tools between a tool spindle and a tool magazine. A drive key and a detent pin protrude respectively from the tool spindle and each of the tool storage portions of the magazine and are engageable, with a predetermined play, with a key-way of each tool. A fine indexing device has a rotatable cam drum on which a first cam segment is formed for indexing the tool spindle to a predetermined angular position following a coarse indexing operation by a coarse indexing device. A second cam segment is further formed on the cam drum to rotate the tool spindle more than the play from said predetermined angular position after a fresh tool is inserted into the spindle, so that a positive engagement between the drive key and the key-way of the tool can be achieved.

Abstract: Each chuck of the capstan is peripherally integral with a rim made from a relatively elastic material which defines, facing each indexing bore for the formation of a shock absorber/stop member, an orifice whose outlet cross-section is substantially the same as the inlet cross-section of the said bore and, in the vicinity of the indexing pin a cross-section which, at least in the direction of travel of the chuck, is larger than the cross-section of the end fitting of the said pin, each orifice having a sloping wall which converges towards the central area of the said chuck.The improvements forming the object of the invention are applicable to capstan tool holders for punching machines.

Abstract: A rotary index table wherein a detent oscillating about the table axis of rotation is translated radially inwardly during indexing and retracted radially outwardly during the return stroke of the detent, both actions being accomplished through a positive acting toggle link arrangement. The positive detent engagement with the table during indexing prevents table overtravel, and a locking detent is utilized to produce final table orientation. The table also includes expansible chamber motor means axially translating the table into a frictional locking engagement with its base.

Abstract: A unique index mechanism for positioning an indexable machine tool member wherein a first toothed coupling is fixed to a machine tool base member, and a second relatively movable, toothed coupling having a uniformly spaced number of teeth unequal to the first uniformly spaced coupling teeth is located concentric to the first coupling on the machine tool base. The indexable machine tool member is carried by the second movable coupling, and a third toothed coupling with teeth disposed toward the first and second couplings is rotatably mounted to the machine tool in such fashion that the third coupling may be powered into and out of meshing engagement with the first and second couplings.The second coupling which carries the indexable machine tool member may be indexed to discrete angular increments corresponding to the angular difference in the tooth spacing of the respective first and second couplings.

Abstract: A horizontal shaft, to one end of which there is affixed a tool-carrying turret, is rotatably mounted in a part of the frame of the lathe. The above shaft is parallel to the axis of the spindle of the lathe, such spindle being rotatably mounted in the head stock. The shaft and the turret are reciprocated longitudinally of the axis of the shaft by a longitudinal advancing mechanism, such shaft also being rotated in steps, that is, indexed around its axis by a transverse feeding mechanism.

Abstract: An indexing chuck assembly to hold a work piece so work may be performed on it in differently rotated positions, as on a lathe. The chuck block is rotated between a lifting arm and a table member, the bottom of the chuck block having a cammed shaft which moves both rotationally and linearly as the chuck block is raised and lowered by the lifting arm. The cam shaft has a plurality of yoke cam grooves which engage a biased cam follower in the table member whereby the cam follower follows a reversing cam path defined by the plurality of yokes, each yoke forming a pair of angular grooves in the configuration of a Y, a portion of each yoke being common to its adjoining yoke so that adjoining Y configurations are alternately reversed. Each yoke is defined by an upper pair of aligned rest stops and an intermediate lowered reverse stop, the cam follower imparting rotation to the chuck block as it moves in transit from one rest stop to the adjoining rest stop.

Abstract: A pair of turrets of a punch press are rotatably coupled to a common drive shaft by chains and sprockets. Releasable couplers are placed between the chains and the drive shaft to allow relative, limited movement between the turrets and the common drive shaft during the insertion into the turrets of alignment shot pins. The limited relative movement allows the turrets to independently, accurately position during insertion of the shot pins without placing strain on the chains, drive shaft or power source.